Almost Done

Morning devotions were led by Pat. We went through a number of books/chapters relating to how when God/Jesus emphasizes a point we really need to respond. Breakfast was cereal, toast, yogurt and pineapple.

The morning was spent with the Compassion school in town. Dan, Eric, Duane, Paul and Shawn all sponsor Compassion kids in Azua. It's always a treat to see them grow both physically and spiritually each year. They play with them, bring them gifts and visit the families.

After lunch at Compassion the team headed to a village north of town that they have spent time at before. It's poor even to DR standards. A Veggie Tales video was shown, a brief message given and they were left food.

Later in the afternoon the team made a trip to the blind organization in Azua (which is also Christian). People with disabilities in the DR have an especially hard time as there are no real services available for assistance. Dan blesses them with money from the Wayside Lions Club.

The nighttime activity was pizza at the house for the team and the DR supporters. The team then spent some time debriefing and reflecting from the past week.

Lord's Work Continues

Morning devotions were led by Eric. The team was able to really get into some deep and "stretching" discussion. Breakfast consisted of bacon, eggs and fruit.

Today the team went in various directions. A work project team of Eric, Pat, Mike and Paul laid block at the construction site. The others travelled into town to go through the marketplace and pass out tracts. About 400 tracts were given out amongst the chaos of people, scooters, and every imaginable item for sale. The sights, sounds and smells are "unique".

Those that went to the marketplace then travelled to Pastor Wilfredo's to listen to a children's service, feed them sweet rice, do face painting and play games. The team has a special relationship with this mix of Haitian and Dominican kids.

Dan and the girls visited a Christian woman's group in the afternoon and Chris gave her testimony. Most of the team then visited a church led by Dorcas' brother and blessed them with bibles.

The night activities were as last night. Some of the team visited and preached at a church service and the others showed the Jesus film in a nearby town. The gospel was definitely spread. The night ended with ice-cream and smoothies for the film team who returned by 11pm (the church team hasn't gotten back as of this writing).

The team is in good health and spirits overall but some have experienced various minor ills. Most were able to catch short siestas at some point in the afternoon which not only helped any ills but also the general fatigue that usually occurs on this trip. The combination of heat, activity, lack of sleep, different food, sanitary conditions and spiritual stress can easily wear a person down.

God's blessings until tomorrow

Back Together

Today the Crusade team was picked up early to make morning devotions back in Azua at the main house. It was bittersweet as we grew to love Peralta but were excited to continue God's work with the main team.

The normal Sunday morning prison visit did not happen due to a scheduling and security mix-up. The team did spend some time with the pastor blessing and encouraging him. We realized later that God had a greater plan for us that morning.

A relaxing afternoon was held by the beach. The team met up with Raymond's California team at the YWAM (Youth With A Mission) house overlooking the ocean. Pablo grilled his famous burgers and a cake was made to celebrate Dan's 60th birthday so the afternoon was filled with good food and good company. We then went down to the beach and some swam while others explored and passed out tracts.

The night activities began with supper at Pastor Wilfredo's (the Haitian village of Estabania). Wilfredo and his wife went to great trouble to give us a wonderful meal in their backyard.

A few team members stayed at Wilfredo's to help with a church service. The others went up into the hills northeast of the Haitian village to show the Jesus film to a very poor village. The only electricity in that town tonight was our generator. We were warmly welcomed.

Good night and may God bless you all

Crusada 3

The third day in the mountains started with devotions led by Mike. We then went into town for breakfast (pancakes!) at Pastor Francisco's. Mike, Pat and Shawn had prepared lessons for a leadership meeting at the church later that morning. They were warmly received.

As this was the last day of the Crusade the children marched in a parade celebrating Jesus through town. Approximately 500 children dressed in various costumes with a small band was a real sight to see. Supper that night was held at the mountain house with the Azua group in attendance. This was the first time the whole group had been together since the beginning of the trip. It was nice to reconnect and share stories from the past few days.

The last night of the Crusade was the largest with over 2500 people in attendance. Various musical acts and a drama highlighted the evening before a prayer by Shawn and messages again by Jim and Mark.

Crusada 2

Day 2 in Peralta started again with breakfast at Pastor Francisco's. We are treated like royalty by people who are true servants of the Lord – people who we should be serving. We then walked up the hill (a little over a mile) back to the house passing out tracts and witnessing. A great devotion was had afterwards. It was supposedly led by Pat from Luke 13 but as is often the case with like-minded and spiritual people Luke was not the only book used in this lively study.

The original plan was for Shawn and Mike to give a message at the church but as is often the case, plans changed. A servant project in association with the Crusade was being held that people could attend to learn about hurricane safety and get all types of medical attention from denstistry work, eye exams, prescriptions, pediatrics and other healthcare provided with funds from CTR in DePere.

The team spent the next few hours walking the streets of Peralta witnessing, handing out tracts, praying for families and inviting them to the Crusade that night.

The Crusade was another wonderful night of local worship music, prayer, messages and a call to Christ. Mike gave the prayer followed by another rousing message from Jim on Noah and if we are on the ark, or watching him build it. Mark followed with the call to Christ. While exact numbers are difficult to determine, we estimated that over 2000 people attended tonights celebration; a modest increase over last night.

The night ended again at Pastor Franciscos.

Crusada

The team arrived safe in Azua around 11pm Wednesday and after emptying the bus filled with a week's worth of food and hundreds of bibles, rooms were assigned, beds made, and showers taken before getting to sleep about midnight.

Jim led morning devotions based on 2 Corinthians 4 and 5. Breakfast of fresh hard-boiled eggs, cereal, peanut butter sandwiches and the ever present (and delicious) fruit was served.

The morning was spent doing some errands, packaging food and getting ready for the week ahead. The Crusade team of Mark, Jim, Shawn, Mike and Pat left mid-morning for the mountain village of Peralta where the first night of the Crusade is held. The Crusade team is staying in Peralta until Sunday so this writer needs to apologize to the blog readers interested in the main group as we do not have any details as to their activities due to the busy schedules, limited contact and distance. I'm sure they are changing hearts for Christ.

The Crusade team spent the afternoon getting to know Peralta by witnessing and spending time at the ball field where the Crusade takes place and the house preparing hearts. The event went very well with a very good turnout, great music, preaching and witnessing. Pat led with a prayer and Jim and Mark each gave messages. It was a truly moving event and we thank God for the opportunity to serve him.

It's late (11:30) and we need to head back to the house. The team sends love to those back home. Please continue to pray for us and most importantly that hearts are moved here in the DR.

God Bless